Magnum Energy Magnum Panel (MP Series) - Manual (Page 43)

Page 36 © 2011 Magnum Energy, Inc.
3.0 Installation
3.5 Wiring the MP Enclosures
This section describes the requirements and recommendations for wiring to/from the MP enclosure.
Read all instructions before wiring the MP enclosure.
IMPORTANT: The installation of this MP enclosure/inverter system must meet all local
codes and standards and be performed by qualifi ed personnel such as licensed electricians
or Certifi ed Renewable Energy (RE) System installers.
The NEC (National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA 70) for the United States and the CEC (Canadian
Electrical Code, CSA 22.1) for Canada provide the standards for safely wiring residential and
commercial installations. The NEC/CEC list the requirements for wire sizes, overcurrent protection,
and installation methods and requirements.
Be aware that the MP/inverter system involves power from multiple sources (inverter, generator,
utility, batteries, solar arrays, etc.) which make the wiring more hazardous and challenging.
WARNING: The AC neutral and DC negative are bonded to ground in this enclosure.
If the AC or DC circuits are already bonded to ground elsewhere in your system, you
must remove the DC and/or AC bonding inside this enclosure. Refer to Section 3.9 and
3.10 to remove the AC and/or DC ground bond connection.
WARNING: Ensure all sources of DC power (i.e., batteries, solar, wind, or hydro) and
AC power (utility power or AC generator) are de-energized (i.e., breakers opened,
fuses removed) before proceeding - to prevent accidental shock.
3.5.1 General Wiring Requirements
• The AC and DC wires into and out of the MP enclosure must be protected as required by code.
This can be done by using jacketed wires or by feeding the wires through conduit.
Info: If using a Magnum inverter, and the AC wires are individual conductors (i.e., not
jacketed), the strain reliefs on the inverter can be replaced with 3/4” grommets.
• Use proper clamps or other approved methods for securing the cable/conduit to the enclosure.
• The MP enclosure is specifi cally designed for both AC and DC wiring. However, where DC wiring
must cross AC or vice-versa, try to make the wires at the crossing point 90° to one another.
• Use only copper wires with a minimum rating of 150V, 75°C if only 120V AC power is being
used; or, with a minimum rating of 300V, 75°C if 120/240V AC power is being used.
• In a system where one conductor is grounded, the wire colors on the DC side and AC side
are the same. The insulation on all grounded conductors (DC negative/AC neutral) must be
white, gray, or any color except green if marked with white at each termination (marking only
allowed on 6 AWG or larger conductors). The equipment grounding conductors must be bare
(no insulation), or have green or green with yellow-striped insulation or identifi cation. The hot-
ungrounded conductor (DC positive/AC hot) is usually red or black.
• Terminals containing more than one conductor must be listed for multiple conductors.
• The connectors or terminals used on fl exible, fi ne stranded conductors must be specifi cally
marked or labeled for use with fi ne-stranded conductors.
• The MP enclosure includes wires (along with communication cables) with insulation rated for
at least 300 volts, which allows 120/240V AC inverters to be installed. If installing a 120/240V
AC inverter, the installer must also provide wires (both power and communication) with the
insulation rated for at least 300 volts.
3.5.2 Disconnect Switch and Overcurrent Protection
For residential and commercial electrical systems, the NEC/CEC requires a disconnect switch and
overcurrent protection for all ungrounded conductors on the AC side as well as the DC side. The
MP enclosure provides both AC and DC circuit breakers that are used as the disconnect switch.
These circuit breakers can also be used as the overcurrent protection device when the ampacity
of the wire and its insulating material, voltage, and temperature rating are correctly sized to the
circuit breakers in your MP enclosure. Refer to the appropriate installation section (AC Wiring or
DC Wiring) to determine the minimum recommended wire size required.